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Social Capital: Its Conceptual And Methodological Aspects, And Its Connection To Local Development.

Abstract

Social capital is one of the concepts which have attracted the attention of scholars all over the globe. This paper dealt with the theoretical understandings that could assist in the identification of the various forms of social capital and how it is linked to local development in this era. Three different features of social capital are crucial in so far as the linkage to local development is concern. Social capital has been considered in terms of social relations and social networks and most importantly, ‘trust’ has been a prime mover of the concept. The paper shows how networks and interaction between actors brings about development at the local level despite some few identified drawbacks.

Word count 114

Table of content

Abstract ii
Introduction 1
The definition of social capital. 2
The deference between social capital and human capital 3
Obligations and expectations 3
Key features of social capital 4
The importance of Social Capital to Local Development. 6
Problems of collective action 9
Negative effect of social capital to local development. 10
Conclusion 10
References 12

Word count 3277

Social Capital: Its conceptual and Methodological aspects, and its connection to Local Development.

Introduction

The importance of social capital for local development cannot be over emphasized; this is evident in a number of studies in recent time. Kilkenny et al. (1999) explored the relationships between reciprocated community support and development of small towns and small businesses in Iowa. Social capital and communities has also been discussed by Flora (1998). The development of social capital in rural areas in Russia under the market economy was also examined by Pantoja (2000). Sobels et al., (2001) looked at the importance of social capital for non-governmental networks etc. there is therefore no doubt about the linkage and importance of social capital to local development.

The concept of social is as old as the inception...